Location: Oakland Cemetery Visitor Center (2nd floor) & Zoom video conference.
Time: 7:30pm to 8:47pm.
Call to Order and Welcome: President Robert Selby called the meeting to order at 7:30pm. He thanked Oakland Cemetery for hosting the meeting.
President’s Introduction: President Selby introduced the 2026 Steering Committee and new leadership roles. Vice President – Adelee Le Grand / Secretary – Jon Ratliff / Treasurer – Lynn Lamousin / Economic Development Chair – Mike Walbert / Legacy Neighbors Chair – David Dempsey / Technology & Communications Chair – Travis Peterman. Continuing in their roles: Land Use & Zoning Chair – Sky Hassan / Public Safety Chair – Loyal Charles / Homes & History Chair – John Sitton / Transportation Chair – James Austin.
2026 Strategic Priorities: Building community and growing membership: Moving from passive residents to connected neighbors. Civic Influence – Restoring GPNA as a powerful political voice through partnerships. Operational sustainability: Formalizing leadership pipelines and ensuring financial health.
Vice President’s Report (Adelee Le Grand): Demographics – Presented Census data (approximately 11,000 residents; median age 34) to highlight the need for GPNA membership to reflect the community’s diversity (renters, subsidized housing, homeowners, and businesses).
Committees: Membership Ad-Hoc – Co-chaired by Ariel Jordan. Bylaws – Co-chaired by Chase.
Public Officials & Guests
Atlanta Police Department (APD) Zone 6: Lt. Brown reported that thefts from vehicles remain the primary trend carried over from late 2025. While arrests were made regarding the mass break-in event in December (140+ vehicles). Advisory: Residents are urged not to leave anything visible in vehicles. Statistics (December 8 – January 20) – 13 thefts from vehicles; 8 incidents of destruction/vandalism.
Fulton County Commissioner Mo Ivory introduced herself to the body. She clarified the distinction between City and County responsibilities (Jail, Courts, Health/Human Services). She highlighted the ongoing crisis at the overcrowded jail, which is under Department of Justice (DOJ) review, and spoke about a recent budget dispute where funding for homelessness support was successfully restored. She highlighted the gap in emergency services south of I-20 following the Atlanta Medical Center closure.
Agenda Modification: Member presentation by Steve Carr. He addressed the association regarding his property on the east side of Grant Park (adjacent to the BeltLine near Boulevard/Englewood). He provided history on the property’s down-zoning (1981) and business license issues (1991). Proposal – Carr intends to develop an affordable senior residential facility on the site. This would require rezoning to MRC-2 or MRC-3. Conflict: He requested GPNA support/mentorship for his development plan when the time comes.
Approval of Minutes
Motion – To approve the December 2025 meeting minutes. Vote – The motion was seconded and passed without objection.
Treasurer’s Update: (Lynn Lamousin via Zoom)
Financials – The monthly balance and income statements are available via links in the presentation/website.
Operating Budget – Due to the timing of onboarding new officers, the 2026 Operating Budget is not ready.
Motion – To extend the presentation of the projected 2026 Operating Budget to the February GPNA General Meeting. The motion was seconded and passed without objection.
Storage Unit – GPNA has officially vacated the storage unit, eliminating a significant monthly expense (~$400/month). Unused items were donated to ReStore.
Committee Updates
Public Safety (Loyal Charles): Hot Chocolate Run – Scheduled for Sunday, February 1.. The event will impact Cherokee Avenue, Loomis Avenue, and Memorial Drive.
Grant Park Security Patrol (GPSP): Chris Newman (GPSP President) provided an update via Zoom. GPSP is a separate 501(c)(4) entity. They currently have ~210 members and are looking to hire an additional officer to replace one who stepped down. Rates for officers are $50/hour. Residents are encouraged to join to increase patrol hours. Please send questions or comments to the GPSP website. https://grantparksecuritypatrol.wildapricot.org.
Land Use & Zoning (Sky Hassan via Zoom): Z-25-60 (1030-1040 Grant Street / The Beacon) – Proposal for a 285-unit apartment building. Status: Deferred to the March ZRB hearing. Action: This will be heard at the Grant Park LUZ meeting on January 22 at 7:00pm and reviewed by the GPNA General Body on February 17.
Transportation (James Austin): Sydney/Connally intersection: A temporary roundabout pilot is scheduled for installation in late Spring 2026. Tactical Urbanism Workshop – Scheduled for February 24 with ATLDOT and Propel ATL. Survey – Residents are encouraged to complete the NPU-W Cut-through Streets Survey (QR code in slides).
Economic Development (Robert Selby for Mike Walbert): Grant Park Gateway – The city has opened a survey regarding the Grant Park Gateway. Everyone is encouraged to provide input about how you would like to see the space used.
Announcements
Grant Park Conservancy (Ceci Villanueva via Zoom): GPC Member Breakfast: Friday, February 27 at Six Feet Under. Canopy Soiree – March 27, 8:00pm – 11:00pm at Zoo Atlanta (Savanna Hall). Tickets are on sale. Buy a Brick, Grant Park Playground – The campaign is down to the final ~25 bricks. Love Your Park – Volunteer day on February 13, 9:00am – 11:00am.
Other Announcements: Publix Marathon – March 1. The route includes Grant Park (Mile 20).
New Business
Grant Park Farmers Market: Jenna Mobley informed attendees that the market operates every Sunday year-round (9:00am-1:00pm) at The Beacon.
Local Business Intro: Adam from Impexx Valet introduced his trash valet/bin return service.
Meeting Format: Member Jack suggested arranging chairs in a circle for future in-person meetings to improve engagement and visibility.
Adjournment: President Selby adjourned the meeting at 8:47pm.
